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Helicopter Rescue Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Hillsboro Aviation

Airbus H145 Mechanic - Fleet

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

About Hillsboro Aviation Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and ... Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief ...

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

About Hillsboro Aviation Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and ... Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief ...

Hillsboro Aviation

Fleet Aircraft Mechanic

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

... helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales ... Our missions include search and rescue, short haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief ...

All JobsHelicopter Rescue JobsHelicopter Rescue Jobs in Oregon

Helicopter Rescue information

See Oregon salary details

$62.9K

$101.9K

$108.4K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue in Oregon is $101,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helicopter rescue?

As a helicopter rescue pilot, your job is to help provide emergency services in response to sudden needs. In this role, you may keep your helicopter ready to head out on a flight, coordinate with emergency rescuers, and perform various airborne tasks as needed. This job particularly focuses on search and rescue operations, such as finding and recovering people who are lost in the wilderness. Pilots do not provide medical care for rescued passengers, but other personnel onboard might. Related jobs include flight crew, paramedic, or maintenance positions. Helicopter rescue jobs should not be confused with air ambulance jobs. While you may deliver people to hospitals, this job does not always involve rescuing sick or injured passengers and may involve flying into dangerous situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helicopter rescue specialist?

To thrive as a Helicopter Rescue Specialist, you need advanced knowledge of search and rescue operations, aviation safety, and emergency medical response, typically supported by certifications such as EMT or paramedic and specialized rescue training. Familiarity with navigation systems, radio communication tools, winching equipment, and survival gear is essential. Exceptional decision-making skills, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, efficient rescues and optimal outcomes in challenging and often life-threatening environments.

What are some common challenges faced by helicopter rescue professionals during emergency missions?

Helicopter rescue professionals often encounter rapidly changing weather conditions, challenging terrain, and the need to make quick, critical decisions under pressure. Working as part of a tightly coordinated team, they must communicate effectively with pilots, medical staff, and ground teams to ensure a successful rescue. Physical and mental stamina are crucial, as missions can be unpredictable and require long hours. Continuous training and adaptability help professionals overcome these challenges and maintain safety for both the rescue team and those being assisted.

What is the difference between Helicopter Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectHelicopter RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsFAA helicopter pilot license, rescue trainingFirst aid, CPR, rescue operations training
Work EnvironmentHelicopter, outdoor, remote locationsGround-based, varied terrains
Employer & IndustryRescue agencies, emergency servicesFire departments, rescue teams

Helicopter Rescue involves operating helicopters to perform aerial rescues, often requiring pilot licenses and specialized rescue training. Search and Rescue Technicians typically work on the ground, conducting search operations and providing emergency aid. While both roles focus on saving lives, Helicopter Rescue emphasizes aerial operations, whereas Search and Rescue Technicians are ground-based responders.

How much do helicopter rescue personnel make?

Helicopter rescue personnel, such as rescue pilots and crew members, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced certifications and specialized skills can lead to higher salaries, especially in emergency response or military settings.

What qualifications do you need to work on helicopter rescues?

To work in helicopter rescue, candidates typically need emergency medical training such as EMT or paramedic certification, along with specialized rescue training. Pilots require a commercial helicopter pilot license, and rescue personnel often need physical fitness, strong teamwork skills, and experience in high-stress environments.
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What job categories do people searching Helicopter Rescue jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Helicopter Rescue jobs in Oregon are:

Helicopter Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,919 per year, or $49 per hour.

Airbus H145 Mechanic - Fleet

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Hillsboro Aviation
Aviation • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Hillsboro Aviationexternal

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 85 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award-winning headquarters at the Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunity and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviation’s contract & charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high-tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

As a Type 2 Medium Helicopter Mechanic with an A&P certificate you will work closely with the Fleet Maintenance team to assist with maintaining Hillsboro Aviation's fleet aircraft. You will report to the Director of Maintenance and will be responsible for the following, including but not limited to:

  • Inspection and repair of helicopter and components to be maintained with the highest standards of the FAR's, manufacturer's programs, Hillsboro's AAIP, and repair station guidelines
  • Airbus H-145/ UH-72 / BK117 aircraft maintenance qualified
  • Ability to use computer databases and software programs to track ongoing maintenance

Ideal candidates are trained on the Airbus H-145/UH-72/ BK117, willing to travel for frequent short, long duration, and/or seasonal trips in support of ongoing contractual requirements, and willing to work remotely on extended stays in field environments during the summer months. Position can be full-time or seasonal depending on the qualifications and needs of the applicant.


Job Responsibilities:

  • Ability to work a 12/12 (12 days on / 12 days off) or a 12/2 (12 days on, 2 days off) shift in remote field locations for the duration of fire season (typically April – September)
  • Ability to work in a hanger environment as part of a maintenance team for full-time employment outside of contract demands
  • Inspection and repair of helicopter and components to be maintained with the highest standards of the FAR's, manufacturer's programs, Hillsboro's AAIP, and repair station guidelines
  • Airbus H-145/ UH-72/ BK117 aircraft maintenance qualified
  • Familiar with USFS/DOI contract coverage as a field mechanic
  • Ability to use computer databases and software programs to track ongoing maintenance

Qualifications/Licenses: 

  • Valid FAA A&P Certificate issued at least 24 months prior to the application date

Required Skills/Experience: 

  • Documented evidence of maintaining an Airbus H-145/UH-72 within the previous 10 years
  • At least 18 months out of the last 24 months must have been actively engaged in helicopter maintenance
  • At least 12 months experience as an A&P mechanic maintaining helicopters
  • At least 12 months experience maintaining a H-145/UH-72/ BK117
  • At least 3 months experience as an A&P within the past 2 years
  • At least 1 full season of experience under “field” conditions within the previous 10 years
  • At least 3 months experience maintaining a helicopter away from an operator’s principal base of operations
  • Ability to obtain a USFS / interagency mechanic card

Preferred Skills/Experience: 

  • H-145/UH-72/ BK117 factory training courses (field maintenance, component overhaul, and electrical maintenance) or military AIT
  • Management or shop lead level experience/desire
  • Willingness to adjust work schedule in order to be available for after-hour callouts as needed. This duty is shared with other mechanics
  • Willingness to learn and contribute in maintaining the other aircraft in Hillsboro Aviation's fleet as needed
  • Extensive sheet metal experience
  • CDL Class C with HAZMAT endorsement is preferred

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Wellness benefits, including alternative care and lifestyle discounts
  • 401(k) + match
  • Monthly team-building events, including BBQs
  • Exercise, shower facilities, and locker rooms at headquarters


Hillsboro Aviation’s growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.


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